What is recommended if a pilot feels overwhelmed before a flight?

If a pilot feels overwhelmed before a flight, stopping the operation for a reassessment is the best course of action. This approach prioritizes safety, allowing the pilot to take a step back, evaluate their mental state, and assess the situation more clearly before proceeding. Overwhelm can lead to impaired decision-making, and it's crucial to ensure that the pilot is mentally prepared and focused on the flight ahead. Taking a moment to reassess can involve reviewing flight plans, addressing any personal concerns, and ensuring that all pre-flight checks are adequately completed.

Addressing mental and emotional readiness is part of comprehensive safety practices in aviation. Pilots must recognize when they need a break or additional time to prepare to avoid risking themselves, their passengers, and the aircraft. Engaging in discussions about concerns with passengers, while good for communication, may not effectively address the pilot's own readiness. Launching a flight despite feeling overwhelmed is unsafe, and continuing to fly without addressing these feelings could lead to dangerous situations or poor judgment during the flight. Thus, stopping for a reassessment is the most responsible decision.